Outdoor activities can be ruff on your pup, but these dog hiking backpacks can make all the difference.
As much as we hikers love outdoor adventures with our dogs, they can also be a handful. You have to make sure they have food, waste bags, water, and toys for the little stops along the way. However, there is a way to travel lightly while adventuring together.
The best dog backpacks are great for extra storage and giving your dog that added responsibility; we all know they love having a job. These doggie backpacks come in different sizes to adjust to your pup's size, usually with velcro and adjustable straps. Most have durable ripstop material and enough pockets to ensure that you will have all the supplies they need to make hiking, camping, and other activities enjoyable. While these work for large, medium, and small dogs, your little pooch may enjoy a dog carrier backpack more.
However, if you are not putting your pup in a pet carrier backpack while hiking, these dog hiking backpacks are the way to go for both of you.
1. Outward Hound Backpacks for Dogs
This backpack is essential with its expandable pockets and reflective accents for those late nights out on the trail. The straps are adjustable, making sure your dog is always comfortable, and the mesh material on the harness gives their fur room to breathe and will keep your dog cool. This versatile backpack comes in green and blue.
2.OneTigris Backpack for Dogs To Wear
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The OneTigris Backpack is an excellent backpack for hiking with your pup. It is as durable as it is comfortable, which is essential for long hikes. The padded straps and breathable mesh lining will keep your pooch comfortable as you hike. It will also keep your dog cool.
The padded handle and leash clips give you places to keep your pup secure. The heavy-duty Duraflex adds to the pack's durability. The roomy side bags can hold all of your dog gear, including poop bags!
The belly strap is adjustable, and it has adjustable straps around the neck. Make sure you measure around your dog's sternum and girth to ensure the proper fit!
3. JiePai Military Dog Pack Hound Backpack Saddle Bag
The JiePai Military Dog Pack is made of nylon material with padded lining to keep your pup comfortable while you walk. The dog hiking backpack has a harness across the front with adjustable straps and a quick-release UTX-Duraflex buckle. The handle helps you direct your pup down the safest path and keeps them walking next to you.
The two pouches have plenty of room for all your doggie hiking gear so you can make the most of your outdoor adventure, whether you are day hiking, camping, or taking a long backpacking trip.
4. Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Pack, Hiking Backpack with Hydration Bladders
The Ruffwear Singletrak backpack has a minimalist design that includes the essentials for your backpacking trip with your pup. The pockets hold two collapsible bladders plus room for all the doggy essentials. There are multiple leash attachment points, including a V-ring on top. The reflective strips and loop for a Beacon allow for some needed light if you are backcountry hiking and camping.
The dog saddlebags will give you plenty of room without adding too much to your dog's body weight.
Your pup's hiking gear should be as comfortable as your own. This long-lasting dog harness is lightweight and safety-approved, so your dog can move around freely without any hassle. In addition, the chest strap is covered with foam to keep your dog comfortable.
5. Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack Hiking Saddle Bag
The Spanker saddlebag is made of high-quality nylon material and zippers designed not to hurt your pup's skin and fur. The backpack is perfect for day hikes, or you can use it for camping.
The side pockets can hold water bottles, dog food, treats, and it even has room for your keys and phone. It also has an aluminum V-ring so you can hook on their leash as needed. The padded handle allows you to redirect as needed while you and your pooch are out hiking.
Additional Dog Backpack Brands
Other pet backpack brands worth checking out include Kurgo, as the Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack is an excellent option for a dog pack. Ruffwear's Palisades Backpack is a spacious pack to look at for your hike! Kyjen Dog Backpacks are also very popular.
There are some other essential features to keep in mind when doing research. Look at daypacks that are water-resistant with side pockets! While you're at it, you should consider a life jacket too for your pup! You will need to cross a body of water at some point, and when you do, you'll want to make sure everyone, including your dog, can enjoy it. Small dogs can enjoy all this outdoor fun, too, of course, as the packs we mention in this list are not only for extra-large dogs.
As previously mentioned, don't forget the essentials like a bowl!
While the choices are overwhelming, we can assure you that your pup will be wagging their tail at whichever backpack you choose. So who's ready to hit the trail?
Do you have a favorite doggie backpack? Tell us on our Wide Open Pets Facebook page.
This post was originally published on Jan 3, 2019.
